Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction in 1989.

Bermuda is one of more than 100 countries of the world that has set up an IDNDR Committee to work on this issue. The Committee operates under Government's Emergency Measures Organisation. The general aim of the Committee is the reduction of human and economic losses resulting from the occurrence of natural disaster. To achieve this goal, the UN has set targets for all countries to achieve by the year 2000. Each country as a part of its plan to achieve sustainable development, should have in place the following: (1) A comprehensive assessment of risks from natural hazards, with these assessments taken into account in development plans; (2) Mitigation plans involving long term prevention and preparedness as well as community awareness programmes; and (3) Ready access to global regional and local warning systems and the ability to pass this information on to the public.

One of the primary natural hazards that we are subject to in Bermuda is a hurricane. We are currently in the hurricane season which officially begins on June 1 and ends on November 30. I now propose to share with you a few facts about hurricanes that will help you to be better prepared to cope with them.

First -- what is a Hurricane? A hurricane is a severe tropical storm with heavy rains and intense winds which blow in a large circle around a centre eye. If the storm passes directly overhead, there will be a lull in the wind lasting from a few minutes up to an hour. Once the eye has passed, the winds will suddenly return at full force and blow from the opposite direction.

Second -- How powerful is a hurricane? To be classed as a hurricane, sustained winds much reach at least 74 mph but hurricane winds can be much stronger. There are five categories of hurricanes.

Category Wind Speed Damage 1 74-95 mph Minimal 2 96-110 mph Moderate 3 111-130 mph Major 4 131-155 mph Destructive 5 Exceed 155 mph Devastating The last major hurricane to strike Bermuda was Hurricane Emily on September 25, 1987. This was a category 2 hurricane and caused an estimated $35 million in damages.

Third -- how is the public warned of possible hurricanes? Local weather forecasts are provided and hurricane conditions of readiness are set by the US Naval Oceanography Command Facility. There are two conditions of readiness.

1. Hurricane Watch -- this is a condition of alert so that people can be aware of the potential threat of a hurricane. By definition, "hurricane watch'' is an alert to the public that hurricane force winds may be expected in 36 hours.

2. Hurricane Warning -- this is an announcement that a hurricane is a specific threat to the Island and that winds may reach hurricane force within 24 hours.

Fourth -- what steps can one take to be prepared for a hurricane? Here are some helpful hints to help you become better prepared: Inspect and repair damaged windows, blinds, shutters, latches and hooks; Prune trees and overhanging branches which may fall on buildings; Keep emergency equipment available such as a hammer and nails, plastic sheeting, first aid kit, AM/FM battery operated radio, matches and candles or hurricane lamps (you must be particularly careful in using these last items during high winds because of the danger of fire); Make an extra supply of ice prior to the hurricane for keeping food fresh, in case of a loss of electrical power; Decide which is the safest room or location inside your house for you to be in when the hurricane strikes. This is often referred to as a "strong room''. Ideally, your strong room should be fairly small, with thick walls, a concrete ceiling and well protected windows. Remember that being inside your house is considered one of the safest places to be in a hurricane, unless of course, your house is threatened by a storm surge.

Finally -- The IDNDR Committee of the Emergency Measures Organisation will continue its campaign of public awareness throughout the 1990's.

LOWDRU H. ROBINSON Director of Community & Cultural Affairs Ministry of Health and Social Services.